In a recent interview, Pavel Durov announced that his substantial wealth, estimated at $13.9 billion, will be divided among his more than 100 children, stemming from both official recognitions and sperm donations. Emphasizing the importance of self-reliance, he stated that access to the inheritance will be postponed for 30 years. Durov, who faces serious criminal charges in France, characterized these allegations as unfounded, asserting that the charges do not define the integrity of his messaging platform.
Telegram Founder Pledges Fortune to Over 100 Children He Fathered
Telegram Founder Pledges Fortune to Over 100 Children He Fathered
Pavel Durov, the founder of Telegram, declares fortune will be shared among over 100 children to prevent familial discord.
Telegram boss to leave fortune to over 100 children he fathered
Pavel Durov, the founder of instant messaging app Telegram, says the more than 100 children he has fathered will share his estimated $13.9bn (£10.3bn) fortune. "They are all my children and will all have the same rights! I don't want them to tear each other apart after my death," Mr Durov told French political magazine Le Point. Mr Durov says he is the "official father" of six children with three different partners, but has more than 100 other children after donating sperm to a fertility clinic. He also reiterated that he denies any wrongdoing in connection with serious criminal charges he faces in France.
The self-exiled Russian technology tycoon also told the magazine that his children would not have access to their inheritance for 30 years. "I want them to live like normal people, to build themselves up alone, to learn to trust themselves, to be able to create, not to be dependent on a bank account," he said. The 40-year-old said he had written a will now because his job "involves risks – defending freedoms earns you many enemies, including within powerful states". His app, Telegram, known for its focus on privacy and encrypted messaging, has more than a billion monthly active users.
Mr Durov also addressed criminal charges he faces in France, where he was arrested last year after being accused of failing to properly moderate the app to reduce criminality. He has denied failing to cooperate with law enforcement over drug trafficking, child sexual abuse content, and fraud. Telegram has previously denied having insufficient moderation. In the Le Point interview, he described the charges as "totally absurd". "Just because criminals use our messaging service among many others doesn't make those who run it criminals," he added.
Pavel Durov, the founder of instant messaging app Telegram, says the more than 100 children he has fathered will share his estimated $13.9bn (£10.3bn) fortune. "They are all my children and will all have the same rights! I don't want them to tear each other apart after my death," Mr Durov told French political magazine Le Point. Mr Durov says he is the "official father" of six children with three different partners, but has more than 100 other children after donating sperm to a fertility clinic. He also reiterated that he denies any wrongdoing in connection with serious criminal charges he faces in France.
The self-exiled Russian technology tycoon also told the magazine that his children would not have access to their inheritance for 30 years. "I want them to live like normal people, to build themselves up alone, to learn to trust themselves, to be able to create, not to be dependent on a bank account," he said. The 40-year-old said he had written a will now because his job "involves risks – defending freedoms earns you many enemies, including within powerful states". His app, Telegram, known for its focus on privacy and encrypted messaging, has more than a billion monthly active users.
Mr Durov also addressed criminal charges he faces in France, where he was arrested last year after being accused of failing to properly moderate the app to reduce criminality. He has denied failing to cooperate with law enforcement over drug trafficking, child sexual abuse content, and fraud. Telegram has previously denied having insufficient moderation. In the Le Point interview, he described the charges as "totally absurd". "Just because criminals use our messaging service among many others doesn't make those who run it criminals," he added.
